We are now learning just how much of an impact the pandemic has had on surgeries in Ontario.

New data in the Canadian Medical Association Journal says it could take more than a year and a half to clear the backlog of operations in Ontario hospitals which have had to be put off because of COVID-19.

It says the estimated time to clear surgeries postponed due to the pandemic is 84 weeks, with a target of 717 surgeries per week.

The governing PCs at Queen’s Park ordered Ontario hospitals to cancel elective surgeries and other activities deemed not urgent back in mid-March to prepare for a possible surge of COVID-19 patients.

That directive was lifted in late May, after which hospital surgeons gradually resumed performing these operations.

Listen for more on this important issue Wednesday after the noon news on Zoomer Radio’s Fight Back with Libby Znaimer. Dr. Janet Martin is an associate professor at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University, and is among a team of global researchers who have looked at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgery cancellations. Dr. Shaf Keshavjee is Surgeon-in-Chief, Sprott Surgery, University Health Network, Director Toronto Lung Transplant Program, Professor of Thoracic Surgery Univ of Toronto. Both will be Libby’s special guests.